RE: [Security Firewall] Florins Firewall

> -----Original Message-----
> From: security-firewall-owner-4qZELD6FgxheH41UXmfQsti2O/[email protected] 
> [mailto:security-firewall-owner-4qZELD6FgxheH41UXmfQsti2O/[email protected]] On Behalf 
> Of Mitchell, Neill
> Sent: 04 August 2005 09:37
> To: 'security-firewall-4qZELD6FgxheH41UXmfQsti2O/[email protected]'
> Subject: RE: [Security Firewall] Florins Firewall
> 
> Yes, there was definitely was a download version of MNF8.2. 
> This is how Mandrake used to work. Paid for support, or 
> download edition.
> Its how I got started with MNF. As I was so impressed with it 
> it became the firewall I recommended to clients generating at 
> least 4 sales for Mandrake.
> People WILL pay for a firewall because they want the support 
> of such a business critical application. I think you may be 
> getting a little confused on your target audience. I disagree 
> that in MNF2's case only 10% of people will pay for it. No 
> sane company of any size if going to run their business with 
> a free downloaded firewall. Mandriva's target market, i.e. 
> companies, will pay. This is where Mandriva will make their money. 
> Worrying about less than 40 people (and that's how many 
> people actually asked to be put on the download list) is just 
> plain crazy. This is a tiny and very specific newsgroup.
> If Mandriva is still worried then they should ut in some sort 
> of trial expiry scheme. Because lets face it, without this 
> protection as soon as a
> MNF2 iso gets onto emule or similar there will be free copies 
> for anyone who wants it for free.
> 
> I say persue your target market and cut the members of this 
> newsgroup some slack. The effect on corporate sales will be 
> insignificant. Plus, like me originally, you may impress 
> people enough to buy it and recommend it. Free advertising 
> for a little known product will do you the world of good.
> 
> Cheers.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vincent Danen [mailto:[email protected]]
> Sent: 04 August 2005 01:47
> To: security-firewall-4qZELD6FgxheH41UXmfQsti2O/[email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Security Firewall] Florins Firewall
> 
> 

Neill,

I agree completely.  

-----Original Message-----
>From: Vincent Danen [mailto:[email protected]]
>Sent: 04 August 2005 01:47
>To: security-firewall-4qZELD6FgxheH41UXmfQsti2O/[email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Security Firewall] Florins Firewall
>
> And FYI, I may been rude to some extent, but I was never defensive.   
> I was merely asking questions and trying to understand why it is that you
all feel the way you do.

Vincent, I think I can explain why some people are upset by Mandiva's
attitude.

I think you have it backwards, at least in part regarding Mandrake club and
why people joined.  We (at least I anyway) had gotten to use a great product
free of charge initially with SNF and then the download version of 8.2 MNF.
The support from Mandrake on this list was great (not handholding like paid
support), but enough to point someone in the right direction so they could
learn for themselves. Florin particularly

So a number of people (myself included) joined the club because Mandrake was
having trouble and we wished to support them.  I also bought a 3 version
subscription to Mandrake 9 which I never used, it's still in it's box.  All
this to support the company at a level I (and others)could afford.  So
effectively we did pay for this when we had already gotten it for free.

Now that Mandriva is not going to allow that same download version for MNF2,
some of those people are deciding that they don't see a point in continuing
their support of Mnadriva and yes, they do feel hurt/betrayed.

Now I must say that if income is the issue this seems to me like Mandriva
shooting themselves in the foot.  It will mean that they will actually end
up with less money fron club subscriptions, not to mention recommendations.
I am a computer consultant, and I have already recommended MNF to at least a
dozen companies.  And as Neill said above, no corporate is going to run it's
firewall on downloaded software.

Finally, You described taking the code and using it for another filewall as
"Ripping it off" I believe.  I don't see it as any different from Mandrake
using Shorewall in the firewall without paying for it, you probably won't
agree.

Regards

Mark

P.S. You've admitted you were rude, an apology might be I order.

P.P.S.  Your Mandriva email address did not show up, so how are we meant to
send those amusing flames and how are we to know you had your moderator hat
on :-)

____________________________________________________
Want to buy your Pack or Services from Mandriva? 
Go to http://store.mandriva.com
Join the Club : http://www.mandrivaclub.com
____________________________________________________